NEW-YORK— AS  IT  IS  ; 


BEING  THE  COUNTERPART 


OF  THE 


METROPOLIS  OF  AMERICA 


**Alme  Sol.  curru  nitido  diem  qui 
Promis,  et  celas  ;  aliusque.  et  idem 
Nasceris  ;  possis  nihil  urbe  Roma 
Visere  majus  !" 

Hor. 


NEW- YORK: 

PRINTED    BY    PRALL,    LEWIS    &  CO., 

No.  76  NASSAU-STREET. 

1851. 


Entered  according  to  Act  oi  Congress  in  the  year  1850,  by 
PR  ALL,  LEWIS  &  CO. 
the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  court  of  the  Southern  District  of  New-York 


\im;ic  \n  Adt'F.H  ri9RH  Prkss. 

76  Xassau-street. 


MODEL  OF  NEW- YORK 


The  object  of  this  pamphlet  is  to  convey  a  more  vivid  idea  of  the 
plan  of  representation  adopted  in  the  construction  of  the  Model  of  New- 
York,  now  being  exhibited  in  different  portions  of  the  Union,  and  its 
character  as  a  work  of  art,  than  can  be  conveyed  in  a  transient  an- 
nouncement, as  well  as  to  facilitate  the  examination  of  those  to  whose 
inspection  it  may  be  presented.  At  the  same  time,  it  comprises  many 
important  and  interesting  statistics  in  relation  to  the  metropolis,  and 
should  be  preserved,  if  only  for  reference. 

Most  persons  receive  a  wrong  impression  as  to  the  nature  of  this 
work.  The  idea  of  a  representation  in  model  of  the  details  of  a  city 
containing  half  a  million  of  inhabitants  seems  absurd.  But  this  is  the 
fact.  The  Model  of  New- York  is  no  less  than  a  perfect  miniature  of  the 
great  emporium  of  commerce,  presenting  with  incredible  accuracy, 
every  object,  whether  a  building,  a  tree,  or  a  fence,  that  any  citizen 
could  discern  within  the  precincts  of  his  own  residence. 


ACTION  OF  THE  COMMON  COUNCIL 

RELATIVE  TO  THE  MODEL  OF  NEW- YORK. 

It  wiil  be  seen  by  the  following  preamble  and  resolution  that  this  work 
is  exhibited  under  the  sanction  of  iLe  city  authorities. 

"  Whereas,  the  Mayor  and  Common  Council  of  this  city  have  visited 
and  inspected  the  Model  of  New- York,  executed  by  E.  Porter  Belden, 
Esq.  which  visit  and  inspection  have  proved  in  the  highest  degree  satis- 
factory, therefore 

u  Resolved,  That,  in  the  opinion  oi  the  Common  Council,  this  work  of  art 
is  a  very  correct,  faithful,  and  beautiful  delineation  of  our  city,  and  forms 
a  noble  monument  to  the  taste  and  genius  of  its  projector;  and  that  the 
Common  Council  commend  the  same  to  the  favorable  notice  of  the  au- 
thorities of  other  countries,  as  conveying  a  just  and  correct  idea  of  our 
city,  its  situation,  buildings,  public  grounds,  s5ec.  &c. 

"  Adopted  by  the  Board  of  Aldermen,  October  26, 1S46. 

"Adopted  by  the  Board  of  Assistants,  Nov.  9,  1546*. 

'•'Approved  by  the  Mayor,  Nov.  11,  154-5. 

"D.  C.  VALENTINE, 
"  Clerk  of  Com.  Coun.  of  N.  Y." 


CIRCULAR  OF  THE  EDITORS  OF  NEW-YORK, 

ADDRESSED   TO  THE  EDITORS  OF 

REVIEWS,  MAGAZINES    AND     NEWSPAPERS     THROUGHOUT  THE 
UNION. 

New- York,  5th  May,  1S47. 
"The  Editors  and.  Proprietors  of  the  following  journals,  published  in 
the  city  of  New- York,  take  this  method  of  introducing  the  Model  of  this 
city,  by  E.  Porter  Belden,  Esq.,  to  the  notice  of  the  editors  of  Reviews, 
Magazines,  and  Newspapers,  throughout  the  Union.  This  work,  con 
structed  with  great  care  and  expense,  is,  what  it  professes  to  be,  a  most 
accurate  miniature  in  wood  of  our  metropolis.  As  a  work  of  art  and 
mechanical  skill,  it  is  of  the  highest  order.  It  cannot  be  placed  upon 
the  level  of  a  map  or  painting;  for  it  goes  much  farther,  and,  without 
aiming  at  a  ficticious  effect,  presents  natire  itself  upon  a  reduced  scale, 
bo  that  we  seem  to  be  gazing  upon  the  actual  citv  and  surrounding  waters. 

3 


The  business  and  commerce  of  New-York  can  be  better  seen  by  a  casual 
inspection  of  this  Model,  than  by  days  spent  in  actually  visiting  the 
business  localities  of  the  city.  This  great  work  has  met  with  the  most 
flattering  reception  in  our  city,  and  we  rejoice  that  we  can  assure  oui 
friends  throughout  the  country,  that  by  extending  to  it  the  favorable  in- 
fluence of  their  respective  journals,  they  will  lend  their  aid  to  a  work  ol 
the  greatest  genius,  thereby  advancing  the  cause  of  science  and  art." 

Freeman  Hunt,  Editor  and  Proprietor  of  the  Merchants'  Magazine. 

Thomas  P.  Kettell,  Editor  and  Prop,  of  the  Democratic  Review. 

Geo.  H.  Colton,  Ed.  and  Prop,  of  the  American  Review. 

Lewis  Gaylord  Clark,  Editor  of  the  Knickerbocker  Magazine. 

John  Allen,  Proprietor  of  Knickerbocker  Magazine. 

Wm.  H.  Starr,  Ed.  and  Prop,  of  the  Eureka,  or  Journal  of  the  So- 
ciety of  Inventors,  and  the  Farmer  and  Mechanic. 

Hale  &  Hallock,  Eds.  and  Prop,  of  the  Journal  of  Commerce. 

Jas.  Watson  Webb,  Ed.  and  Prop,  of  the  Courier  and  Enquirer. 

Robert  A.  West,  Ed.  Commercial  Advertiser,  for  Francis  Hall,  now 
n  Europe. 

Townsend  &  Brooks,  Eds.  and  Prop,  of  the  New-York  Express. 
William  C.  Bryant  &  Co.  Eds.  and  Prop,  of  the  Evening  Post. 
Frederic  Hudson,  Ed.  N.  Y.  Herald,  for  Jas.  Gordon  Bennett  now  in 
Europe. 

M.  S.  &  A.  E.  Beach,  Eds.  and  Prop,  of  the  New- York  Sun. 
Dinsmore  &  Morrill,  Eds  and  Prop,  of  the  True  Sun. 
H.  Fuller,  Ed.  and  Prop,  of  the  Evening  Mirror 


The  following  Commendation  has  received  the  signatures  of 
THOUSANDS  OF  THE  PRINCIPAL  CITIZENS, 
including  the  officers  of  the  city  government,  in  its  various  departments, 
artists,  architects,  the  clergy  of  the  city,  and  professional  and  business  men 
generally. 

"  The  undersigned,  having  examined  the  Model  of  New- York,  by  E. 
Porter  Belden,  are  highly  pleased  with  the  result,  and  have  no  hesitation  in 
pronouncing  it  to  be,  so  far  as  their  knowledge  extends,  a  most  accurate 
and  beautiful  representation,  as  well  as  a  work  that  deserves  the  attention 
of  the  whole  civilized  world." 

This  commendation,  with  its  thousands  of  signatures,  is  open  for  in- 
spection at  the  exhibition  room. 


CIRCULAR  OF  THE  CLERGY  OF  NEW-YORK, 

addressed  to  the 
CLERGY  THROUGHOUT  THE  UNION. 
M  We,  members  of  the  clerical  profession,  satisfied  of  the  accuracy  and 
the  high  character  of  the  Model  of  this  city   constructed  hf  Mr.  E  Portei 

4 


Belden  and  his  assistants,  do  hereby  recommend  it  to  the  clergy  generally 
as  a  work  of  genius,  and  as  belonging  to  that  class  of  exhibitions  which 
deserve  the  attention  of  the  religious  community,  that  they  may  supersede 
the  frivolous  and  immoral  amusements  prevalent  throughout  the  country.*' 
(Signed  by  the  Clergy  of  various  denominations.) 


CIRCULAR  OF  THE  CLERGY  AND  TEACHERS  OF  NEW- YORK, 

addressed  to 

THOSE  INTERESTED  IN  THE  EDUCATION  OF  YOUTH 
THROUGHOUT  THE  COUNTRY. 

"  The  undersigned,  clergy  and  teachers  of  the  city  of  New- York, 
would  hereby  commend  to  the  notice  of  those  interested  in  the  education 
of  youth,  the  Model  of  New- York,  as  a  work  calculated  to  exalt  and  re- 
fine the  mind,  and  to  communicate  at  the  same  time,  interesting  and 
valuable  information.  The  minds  of  the  rising  generation,  eager  for 
amusement,  can,  with  great  profit,  be  directed  to  those  works  that  will  in- 
crease their  taste  for  science  and  art,  and  cause  them  to  reflect  upon  what 
has  been  accomplished  by  human  genius  :  and  surely  no  work  can  better 
produce  this  result,  than  a  perfect  miniature  of  the  Metropolis  of  our  Re- 
public, portraying,  with  the  accuracy  of  science,  and  the  beauty  of  art, 
the  labor  of  two  centuries — the  business,  the  commerce,  and  the  residence 
of  half  a  million  of  souls." 

(Signed  by  Teachers  and  the  Clergymen  of  the  various  denominations.) 


The  following  is  an  extract  from  the  Communication  of  Prof.  0.  W. 
Morris,  of  the  New- York  Deaf  &  Dumb  Institution,  published  in  the 
leading  daily  papers  of  New- York,  in  September,  1S46. 

Inst,  for  Deaf  and  Dumb,  Sept.  15,  1S46. 

"  Do  the  people  of  New-York  know  of  the  unparalleled  Model  that  is 
in  their  midst,  in  which  every  public  building,  every  house,  and  I  might 
eay,  every  shanty  is  faithfully  represented  ?       *  * 

M  It  fell  to  my  lot,  a  few  days  since,  to  accompany  there  some  of  the 
pupils  of  the  Institution  for  the  Deaf  and  Dumb  in  this  city,  and  if  any 
thing  more  were  wanting  to  convince  me  of  the  truthfulness  of  the  Model, 
than  my  own  observation,  I  should  have  been  satisfied  by  seeing  these 
children  of  nature,  with  their  eloquent  manner  and  speaking  looks,,  point 
out  place  after  place  and  building  after  building,  and  indicate  their  plea- 
sure by  calling  the  attention  of  each  other  to  them. 

"  The  architecture  of  the  public  buildings  is  faithfully  represented,  even 
to  the  stained  glass  in  the  windows  of  the  churches.  The  lamp  posts  had 
nearly  escaped  my  observation,  when  I  saw  them  pointed  out  by  a  very 
intelligent  boy,  to  a  young  lady  with  an  expression  of  satisfaction,  that 
even  in  the  minutice,  all  was  correct."       *       *  * 

(Signed)  0  W.  MORRIS 

5 


HISTORY  OF  THE  MODEL. 


The  construction  of  the 

MODEL  OF  NEW- YORK 

Was  a  most  unpremeditated  enterprise.  Its  origin  is  to  be  traced  to  a 
few  experiments  in  architectural  representation,  entirely  unconnected  with 
any  purpose  of  public  exhibition,  which  ]ed  to  large  and  unexpected  ex- 
penditures, and  in  the  progress  of  which  certain  facilities  in  producing 
copies  of  the  objects  desired  were  developed,  and  many  inventions  foi 
expediting  the  different  operations  of  the  work  devised.  The  time  and 
expense  devoted  to  the  object  were  disproportioned  to  the  value  of  the 
end  attained.  It  became  apparent  that  neither  reimbursement,  nor  value 
to  society,  could  attend  the  employment  of  the  experience  acquired,  unless 
di n  c ted  to  a  more  important  object.  The  construction  in  model  of  the 
great  emporium  of  America,  presented  peculiar  claims  to  this  notice. 
The  undertaking  was  determined  on.  The  first  blow  of  the  work  was 
struck  in  July,  1S45.  In  the  same  month  of  the  succeeding  year,  a 
duplicate  of  New- York  was  thrown  open  to  the  inspection  of  its  citizens.* 

The  Model  of  New- York  thus  completed,  was  far  different  from  the 
Model  of  New-York  at  first  devised.  A  representation  of  the  general 
appearance  of  the  prominent  structures  was  aimed  at:  a  perfect  fac  simile 
of  every  building  in  the  city  was  produced.  A  few  weeks  it  was  thought 
would  afford  sufficient  time  for  the  accomplishment  of  the  object  :  more 
than  a  year  was  consumed.  Twenty  or  thirty  men  were  deemed  a  suffi- 
cient force  to  employ:  the  number  commenced  with  about  twenty,  and 
gradually  increased  to  more  than  one  hundred  and  fifty,  A  few  thousand 
dollars,  it  was  supposed,  would  complete  the  work :  more  than  $20,000 
were  expended. 

*  The  work  was  not  entirely  completed  for  some  months  subsequent  to  this  date. 

6 


After  the  entire  completion  of  the  work,  a  meeting  of  the  artists  and 
others  who  had  been  employed  in  its  prosecution  was  held  in  the  Minerva 
Rooms,  Broadway.  Reporters  of  a  large  part  of  the  daily  press  were  pre- 
sent on  this  occasion,  who  prepared  and  published  in  the  several  papers 
with  which  they  were  connected,  minute  accounts  of  the  proceedings  oi 
this  meeting,  which  were  subsequently  copied  by  all  the  journals  of 
note  in  the  vicinity.  As  these  proceedings  refer  to  many  details  connected 
with  the  progress  and  subdivision  of  the  work,  and  give  a  list  of  the  in- 
dividuals employed  in  the  various  departments,  we  will  insert  the  report 
as  it  appeared  in  the  principa  journals,  and  thus  close  this  brief  sketch  of 
the  history  of  the  Model  of  New- York. 

From  the 

Morning  Courier  and  New-York  Enquirer,  Nov.  9, 1846. 
New- York  Journal  of  Commerce,  Nov.  11,  1S46 
and  the  other  leading  journals  of  New  New- York  of  contiguous  dates. 


"  GREAT  MEETING  OF  ARTISTS. 
"  At  a  meeting  of  the  artists  and  artizans  employed  upon  the  Model  of 
New- York,  held  on  Wednesday  evening  last,  John  Evers,  Esq.,  was  ap- 
pointed Chairman,  and  Chas.  McDonald,  Secretary.  The  following  list 
of  nearly  one  hundred  and  fifty  of  those  employed  in  the  different  depart- 
ments of  the  work,  was  read  by  Mr.  H.  C.  Hal!,  who  has  acted  in  tho 
capacity  of  Treasurer  and  Book-keeper  during  the  undertaking. 

*  Architectural  Work  and  General  Superintendence— By  3Ir.  W.  P.  Withey. 
"Platform  of  the  Model — By  Messrs.  A.  E.  Moulthrop,  E.  Bishoo,  and  Assistants. 
"  Surveying  and  Map  Department — By  Messrs.  J.  Murphy,  R.  Morrison,  and  As 
istants. 

"Modelling  of  Buildings— By  Messrs.  P.  A.  Edinger,  R.  Molov.  E.  Brown,  C.  De- 
raarest,  T.  Barnes,  R. Search©,  M.  L.  Mann,  J.  B.  Price  W.  Price,  C.  Qullen,  W.  Harris, 
A.  Burnhain,  W.  E.  Shelden,  G.  Carrol!,  0.  G.  Taylor,  L.  D.  Bcrge.  J.  L.  Hunt,  G. 
Douglass,  H.  Me-chant,  J.  White,  C.Peterson,  W.  Griffith,  J.  Wilson,  M.  Swift,  W.  II. 
Fa'uchil  1,  and  W.  Thompson. 

*T£ESS — By  Messrs.  C.  H.  Judson,  J.  B.  Hinton,  A.  P.  Butler,  and  C.  H.  Lewis. 

"  K  evations,  Depressions,  and  Wharves—  By  Mr.  H.  Stow. 

"  Fences— By  Messrs.  H.  Murphy  and  T.  A.  YounY 

'Steamboats — By  Messrs.  E.  B  Cunningham  and  S.  B.  Cunningham. 
Shipping— By  Messrs.  C.  Davis,  A.  W.  Hogg,  T.  Hogg,  Jr..  and  S.  Hoax. 

"  Painting  of  the  Public  Buildings,  Steamboats,  Shipping,  &c. — Bv  Messrs.  E. 
W.  Ja<:kson,  J.  Y,  Brush,  H.  Pvover,  J.  Wells,  W,  Payisoo,  G.  M.  Gard  .er,  J.  Ropes, 
J.  P.  Taylor,  and  T.  F.  Gray. 

'•  Paivting  of  the  Private  Buildings — Bv  Messrs.  J.  W.  Rover,  A.  Eiffe,  A  Miller, 
M.  Hurlbat,  A.  M.  S  auuton,  J.  Langstein,  E.  McAulev,  M.  A.  McCaulv,  E.  Bond,  E. 
Garev,  J.  King,  S.  Ward.  Z.  Martin.  L.  Martin,  M.  L.  Moffat  S.  J.  Good,  H.  Good,  P. 
Harris,  L.  Guthrie,  J.  Guthrie,  M.  Guthrie,  D.  Moore.  J.  Wilkius,  S.  Weston,  L.  Brown- 
lee,  D.  Stokes,  and  P.  D.  Coolican. 

"  S  :enic  Effects — By  Messrs  C.  McDonald,  E.  Richmond,  B.  Clark.  T.  Shepherd.  W- 
F.  Whittington,  C.  G.  Thompson,  L.  Nephe.v,  J.  Roche,  31.  Conroy,  T.  Griffiin,  F. 
Boo'h,  Jr.,  31.  Lyons,  and  T.  Dreasy. 

••  Inspection  of  the  Modelling — By  J.  H.  Plumb,  F.  B  Booth,  and  J.  J.  Palmer. 

"Frams  Work:  of  the  Cavopt — By  Messrs.  P.  Tiers,  J.  Crisp  H.  L.  Farnham,  J.  S. 
Cluttcibuck,  J.  D.  Cox.  E.  J.  Phillips,  and  J.  Case. 

•'The  Paintings  of  THi  Cam  op* — By  Messrs.  J.  Evers,  E.  P.  Barnes,  E.  C.  Coatee, 
vud  J.  H.  Kimberly. 

Canvas  fur  the  Paintings — By  Messrs.  T.  Kelly,  S.  N.  Dodg*,  and  E.  Dechaux. 

Carvfd  Ornamental  Work— Bv  Messrs.  J.  H.  B.  Jackson,  J.  D.  Darlineton.  T.  Y>\U 
lard,  Jr.,  R.  Gunning,  W.  Gunning,  J.  Dully,  W.  Murphy,  S.  T.  Gary.  H.  Tompkins,  R. 
Joseph,  awd  S,  Clark. 

7 


"Gilding — By  Messrs.  J.  McPeake,  II.  Cunningham,  and  II  Scardeafietd. 
"Ornamental  Painting— By  Messrs   T.  T.  Hogg,  J.  C.  Whitmore,  S.  A   Dodge,  J 
Peck,  and  J.  C.  Hefle. 

"Iron  Framr  Work— By  Messrs  Cornell  &  Jackson. 

"Drapeky — By  Messrs.  Solomon  &  Hart. 

"Lights  and  Glasses.— By  Messrs.  Benjamin  Pike  &  Son. 

"  Book-Keipkr  and  Treasurkr— H.  C.  Hall. 

"  Th«  Wholk— By  E.  Porter  Belden. 

"  After  the  acceptance  of  this  report,  the  following  resolutions  were 
unanimously  adopted  : 

"  Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  meeting  be  tendered  to  E.  Porter 
Belden,  Esq.,  the  constructor  of  the  Model  of  New- York,  for  the  liberality 
of  feeling,  and  the  gentlemanly  deportment  exhibited  towards  us,  in  the 
progress  of  this  work. 

"  Resolved,  That  in  this  undertaking,  which  would  have  baffled  the 
efforts  of  almost  any  other  man,  he  has  evinced  the  taste  of  the  artist,  the 
Skill  of  the  mathematician,  and  the  energy,  the  patience,  and  the  perse- 
verance of  the  man  of  genius,  and  that  he  has  achieved  a  triumph  which 
has  justly  immortalized  his  name. 

"  Resolved,  That  we  will  use  our  humble  endeavors  to  promote  the  success 
of  this  work,  by  testifying  to  its  accuracy,  its  beauty,  and  its  finish  of 
execution. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  proceedings  of  this  meeting  be  signed  by  its  officers, 
and  submitted  to  the  leading  journals  of  the  city  for  publication. 

"  The  passage  of  these  resolutions  was  accompanied  by  complimentary 
remarks  from  several  of  the  artists  present,  at  the  close  of  which,  Mr. 
Belden  arose  and  addressed  the  meeting  with  some  appropriate  remarks, 
returning  his  thanks  to  the  artists  engaged  upon  the  work  for  this  expres- 
sion of  their  regard,  and  assuring  them  of  the  satisfaction  he  felt  in  having 
congregated  together  a  body  of  men  so  well  calculated  to  carry  out  ideas, 
which  he  might  conceive,  but  which  he  could  never  have  executed  with- 
out their  assistance. 

"  The  following  resolution  was  then  adopted  : 

"  Resolved,  That  if  this  Model  should  be  destroyed  by  fire,  or  other  acci- 
dent, while  we  are  living,  we  will  hold  ourselves  in  readiness  at  a  mo- 
ment's warning  to  rally  to  the  standard  of  Mr.  Belden  for  its  re-construc- 
tion. 

"  At  the  close  of  the  meeting,  the  following  resolution  was  passed  by  those 
engaged  exclusively  upon  the  Model: 

"  Resolved,  That  our  thanks  be  presented  to  Messrs.  Evers,  Barnes  and 
Coates,  for  the  splendid  embellishments  with  which  they  have  graced  our 
work  in  the  views  of  the  mercantile  and  manufacturing  establishments, 
represented  upon  the  Canopy  of  the  Model. 

"  JOHN  EVERS,  Chairman. 

M  Chas.  McDoNALr,  Secretary." 
8 


DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  MODEL. 

The  Model  of  New- York  is  a  piece  of  mechanism  entirely  different  from 
a  map  or  painting.    On  an  immense  platform 

Kvcry  Object  of  tlie  City*  is  Represented 

In  Carved  Wood, 

with  its  relative  size,  proportions  and  color,  so  that  the  Model 

DIFFERS    FROM    THE    ACTUAL    CITY    ONLY    IN    POINT    OF  SIZE. 
So  extensive  and  minute  is  the  representation  that 

150  ARTISTS  AND  ARTISANS 
were  employed  in  its  construction,  and  its  cost  exceeded 

$20,000. 

The  Harbor  and  Surrounding  Waters  are  represented  with  their  ac- 
customed Shipping,  Packets  leaving  and  entering  the  port,  Steamers  ply- 
ing through  the  rivers,  Tow-boats  conducting  the  Barges  and  Canal-boats 
up  and  down  the  North  River,  and  indeed  the  whole  Business  and  Com- 
merce of  New-York  can  be  seen  to  better  advantage  by  an  hour's  visit  to 
this  Mode],  than  by  a  week's  inspection  of  the  actual  City  and  Harbor. 
Over  the  whole  Model  is  an 

IMMENSE  CANOPY 
Of  Carved  and  Ornamented  Work,  in  Gothic  Architecture,  nearly 
fifteen  feet  high.  This  Canopy  is  supported  by  twelve  elaborately  carved 
columns,  the  bases  of  which  rest  at  the  sides  and  corners  of  the  Model, 
and  is  mounted  with  pinnacles  forming  compartments  which  contain  a 
collection  of 

NEARLY  ONE  HUNDRED  OIL  PAINTINGS, 

REPRESENTING  THE  LEADING  BUSINESS  ESTABLISHMENTS  AND  PLACES    OF  NOTE 
IN  THE  CITY. 

These  paintings  were  executed  by  the  first  artists,  and,  independent  of 
the  Model,  form  a  sufficient  attraction  for  the  admirers  of  the  fine  arts. 
The  Carved  Work  of  the  Canopy  is  most  exquisitely  executed  and  richly 
decorated  with 

Gold  and  Brilliant  Colors. f 

But  we  will  turn  our  attention  to  the  prominent  objects  of  the  work. 

In  the  following  description  the  visitor  is  supposed  to  commence  the 
examination  of  the  Model  at  the  South  West  corner,  proceeding  to  the 
north,  and  completing  the  circuit  of  the  Model. 

WEST  SIDE. 

1.  The  first  object  that  meets  our  wiew,  as  we  thus  gaze  upon  the 
liliputian  city  stretched  before  us,  is  the  Battery,  in  all  its  loveliness  of 
verdure,  reminding  us  of  the  time  when  M  the  old  burghers  would  repair  oi 

*  For  the  minute  details  of  the  representation  see  post.  p.  14. 

f  A  description  of  the  architectural  plan  of  this  Canopy  had  been  written  with  a 
view  to  publication.  At  the  desire  of  the  Editors  of  the  Tribune,  who  were  struck 
with  the  novelty  of  its  arrangement,  and  who  were  preparing  an  account  of  the 
Model,  the  MS.  was  loaned  to  them  ;  and  they,  with  remarkable  liberality,  made 
it  the  basis  of  their  description  of  this  part  of  the  work,  in  a  lengthy  article  on  the 
Model  publ Vihed  in  their  paper.  July  13.  1846.  a  portion  of  which,  but  sufficiently 
I  arge  for  the  purpose,  will  be  found  on  pages  21  and  22  of  this  pamphlet.  It  is  there 
fore  deemed  unnecessary  to  repeat  the  description  here. 

9 


an  afternoon  to  smoke  their  pipes  under  the  shade  of  the  branches,  con- 
templating the  golden  sun,  as  he  gradually  sunk  in  the  west,  an  emblem 
of  that  tranquil  end  toward  which  themselves  were  hastening;  while  the 
young  men  and  the  damsels  of  the  town  would  take  many  a  moonlight 
stroll  among  these  favorite  haunts,  watching  the  chaste  Cynthin  tremble 
along  the  calm  bosom  of  the  bay,  or  light  up  the  white  sail  of  some 
gliding  bark;  and  interchanging  the  honest  vows  of  constant  affection."* 

2.  The  semi-circular  building  situated  on  a  mole,  and  connected  with 
thj  Battery  by  a  bridge,  is  Castle  Garden,  erected  in  1S07  as  a  fortifica- 
tion, but  now  used  as  a  fashionable  place  of  amusement. 

3.  Proceeding  to  the  north-east  from  the  Battery  in  a  perfectly  straight 
line,  a  distance  of  nearly  2  1-2  miles,  is  Broadway,  the  great  thorough- 
fare of  New -York. 

4.  At  the  southern  extremity  of  Broadway  is  the  Bowling  Green,  an 
ellipse,  containing  a  fountain  which  can  be  seen  playing  upon  the  Model. 

5.  Opposite  the  Bowling  Green,  on  the  corner  of  Broadway  adjoining 
the  Battery,  is  the  House  occupied  by  Sir  Henry  Cli:jton,  now  the  resi- 
dence of  Andrew  H.  Mickle,  Esq.  Ex-Mayor  of  the  city. 

6.  The  lofty  spire  so  prominent  in  this  part  of  the  Model,  is  that  of 
the  costly  Trinity  Church,  (Episc.)  The  model  of  this  building  is 
composed  of  over  800  pieces  of  wood  and  metal. 

7.  Trinity  Church  stands  at  the  head  of  Wall-street.  The  various 
Banks  and  other  edifices  connected  with  the  monetary  and  commercial 
interests  of  the  city,  can  be  seen  in  various  parts  of  the  street. 

8.  The  marble  structure,  with  Ionic  porticos,  is  the  Custom  House. 

9.  The  magnificent  Merchants'  Exchange  is  a  short  distance  below. 

10.  The  blocks  between  the  Merchants'  Exchange  and  the  Bowling 
Green,  were  the  scene  of  the  fire  of  1845,  which  destroyed  more  than 
$7,000,000  of  property 

11.  A  short  distance  north  of  the  Custom  House,  is  the  Post  Office. 
formerly  the  Middle  Dutch  Church,  but  now  leased  to  the  general  govern- 
ment. During  the  Revolution,  the  interior  wood-work  was  destroyed  by 
the  British,  and  the  building  used  for  military  purposes.  At  one  time  it 
contained  3,000  American  prisoners 

12.  The  next  spire,  as  we  proceed  up  Broadway,  is  that  of  St.  Paul's 
Church.    This  miniature  building  consists  of  over  1000  pieces. 

13.  Opposite  St.  Paul's  Church  is  the  American  Museum,  of  marble. 

14.  The  large  granite  structure  adjoining  St.  Paul's,  is  theifsTOR  House. 

15.  We  have  now  reached  the  City  Park,  containing  the  City  Half,  in 
the  center,  the  New  City  Hall  on  the  north  side,  and  the  Hall  or  Re- 
cords and  the  Rotunda,  the  latter  occupied  by  the  offices  of  the  Aims- 
House  Department,  on  the  west  side.  The  southern  portion  of  the  Park 
is  ornamented  by  a  beautiful  fountain  represented  upon  the  Model. 


*  W.  Irving. 


10 


16.  The  spire  adjoining  the  Park,  is  that  of  Dr. Spring's  Church 

17.  Columbia  College,  embowered  with  trees,  is  now  prominent. 
IS.  St.  Peter's  Church,  (R.  Cath.,)  of  granite,  is  near  the  College. 

19.  The  visitor  cannot  have  proceeded  thus  far  without  often  gazing  at 
the  water-craft  which  crowds  the  docks  of  the  North  River.  Here  is  an 
Albany  steamer  leaving  the  pier  on  her  upward  trip.  There  a  tow  boat  is 
conducting  half  a  score  of  barges  to  their  destination.  The  whole  river 
teems  with  the  activity  of  travel  and  trade. 

20.  Washington  Market  stands  on  the  line  of  the  river. 

21.  Beyond  the  Park  is  the  terminus  of  the  Harlem  Rail  Road.  The 
rails  are  seen  upon  the  Model  extending  the  whole  length  of  the  city,  with 
here  and  there  cars  leaving  or  entering  the  city. 

22.  Stewart's  Marble  Store  is  at  the  north  corner  of  the  Park. 

23.  Above  Stewart's  is  the  New- York  Hospital,  with  its  towering  elms. 

24.  The  spacious  Broadway  Tabernacle,  (Cong.,)  is  nearly  opposite. 

25.  The  Society  Library  next  presents  its  fagade  of  Ionic  columns. 

26.  The  Halls  of  Justice,  comprising  the  City  Prison  and  other  budd- 
ings of  Egyptian  architecture,  are  seen  beyond  the  last  named  edifice. 
They  are  known  in  popular  parlance  by  the  appellation  of  "  the  Tombs." 

27.  Above  "  the  Tombs"  are  the  Gas  Works  with  their  lofty  chimneys 

28.  The  New-Haven  R.  R.  Depot  is  the  marble  building  near  the  Gas 
Works,  on  Canal- street.    A  train  of  cars  is  leaving  the  depot. 

29.  Center  Market,  with  a  cupola,  is  a  few  blocks  above. 

30.  The  beautiful  inclosure  near  the  visitor  from  the  point  he  now  oc- 
cupies, is  St.  John's  Park,  in  front  of  which  is 

31.  St.  John's  Church,  (Episc.,)  with  a  lofty  and  graceful  spire. 

32.  The  blocks  near  the  river  are  crowded  with  Lumber  and  Coal 
Yards.  The  piles  of  boards  and  shingles  are  easily  discerned  on  the 
Model,  while  the  heaps  of  coal  consist  of  the  natural  article. 

33.  At  the  foot  of  Canal-street  is  the  Clinton  Market. 

34.  The  old  Country  Seat  of  Aaron  Burr  is  situated  four  blocks  from 
the  river.    It  is  easily  discerned  by  its  numerous  trees. 

35.  Nearly  in  the  center  of  the  Model  stands  St.  Patrick's  Cathedral, 
(R.  Cath.,)  a  large  building  with  two  spires  or  turrets. 

36.  A  short  distance  above  appears  St.  Bartholomew's  Church.  (Ep.) 

37.  On  the  next  corner  stands  the  Lafayette  Place  Church.  (D.  Ref.) 
3S.  Near  by  is  St.  Thomas's  Church,  (Epis.,)  with  two  towers. 

39.  We  now  come  to  Washington  Square,  facing  which  are  two  of 
the  most  beautiful  edifices  in  the  city. 

40.  The  New- York  City  University  is  the  large  Gothic  structure. 

41.  Adjoining  the  University  is  Dr.  Hutton's  Church.  (Dutch  Ref.) 

42.  The  portion  of  the  city  above  Washington  Square,  is  the  location  of 
the  most  Fashionable  Residences  in  the  city.  Some  of  the  dwellings 
are  of  costly  magnificence. 

43.  The  wide  street  which,  without  a  deviation  from  a  right  line,  runs 

11  * 


from  river  to  river,  is  Fourteenth-street.  All  the  streets  above  this 
run  likewise  across  the  island,  and  are  numerically  designated. 

NORTH  SIDE. 

44.  The  prominent  Church  in  14th  St.,  is  that  of  the  Annunciation 

45.  Jeiferson  M\rket,  with  a  watch  tower  and  an  alarm  bell,  is  a 
short  distance  beyond. 

46.  One  block  east  of  the  market  are  two  churches  of  stone.  The  one 
nearest  the  visitor  is  Dr.  Ph  lltps's.  (Pres.) 

47.  The  other  is  the  Church  op  the  Ascension.  (Epis.) 

4S.  Dr.  Potts's  Church  (Pres.,)  is  one  block  still  farther  to  the  east. 
4  9.  The  beautiful  oval  inclosure,  with  a  fountain,  in  this  part  of  the 
Model,  is  Union  Place. 

50.  The  Church  op  the  Puritans  adjoins  Union  Place. 

51.  Grace  Church,  the  splendid  edifice  below,  is  one  of  the  most 
imposing  structures  in  the  city.  The  model  of  this  building  is  a  most 
elaborate  piece  of  workmanship  :  it  contains  over  one  thousand  pieces ;  it 
required  five  weeks  to  complete  it,  and  cost  over  seventy-five  dollars. 

52.  Madison  Square  s  near  the  border  of  the  Model. 

53.  All  the  streets  running  northerly  in  this  portion  i  f  the  city,  are  de- 
nominated Avenues,  with  numerical  adjuncts 

54.  In  the  Fourth  Avenue,  the  first  east  of  Madison  Square,  is  the 
Harlem  Rail-Road,   A  train  of  cars  is  seen  on  the  Model  leaving  the  city. 

55.  The  Telegraph  Wires  are  seen  in  the  same  avenue,  as  likewise 

56.  Calvary  Church,  a  grotesque  building  with  two  spires. 

57.  Gramercy  Park  is  the  small  s  uare  near  Calvary  Church. 

58.  The  beautiful  edifice  with  turrets  is  the  Free  Academy. 

59.  The  collection  of  buildings  at  the  north-eastern  corner  of  the  Model, 
belongs  to  the  Aims-House  Department.  The  name  f  Bellevue  is  ap- 
plied to  this  location.     The  grounds  formerly  belonged  to  Lindley  Murray. 

EAST  SID  . 

60.  The  stream  on  this  side  of  the  Model  is  the  East  River. 

61.  The  first  prominent  object  presenting  itself,  on  turning  the  corner  of 
the  Model,  is  Stuyvesant  Square,  in  front  of  which  is 

62.  St.  George's  Church,  (Epis.,)  a  substantial  edifice  of  stjne. 

63.  Sr.  Mark's  Church,  (Epis.,)  surrounded  by  trees,  is  seen  at  some 
distance  below.  In  the  adjoining  g:aveyard  re:  t  tlu  re  nains  of  Peter 
Stuyvesant,  the  last  governor  of  New-Netherland  A  pear-tree  planted 
by  his  own  hand  is  in  the  vicinity,  and  represented  on  the  Model. 

64.  The  Opera  House,  a  sand  stone  building  with  pi^ters,  is  a  few 
blocks  beyond  the  last  named  church.  Here  was  the  scene  of  the  recent 
'earful  riot,  in  which  twenty-three  lives  were  1  >st. 

65.  T  ir  Novelty  Works,  an  extensive  manufactory  of  steam  engines 
and  other  machinery,  are  situated  on  the  Eist  River 

Sfi  Tompkins  Square  is  he  large  public  ground  before  the  visitor. 

12 


67.  The  Ship- Yards,  with  vessels  on  the  stocks  in  all  stages  of  pro- 
gress, are  very  conspicuous  on  the  shores  of  the  river. 

68.  A  portion  of  Wallabout  Bay  is  seen  at  the  southern  termination 
of  this  side  of  the  Model. 

69.  The  Artificial  Island  formed  by  wharfing,  and  containing  a  depot 
for  coal,  is  connected  with  the  Navy  Yard. 

70.  A  Portion  of  Brooklyn  now  comes  in  view ;  but  before  entering 
upon  the  description,  we  will  turn  the  next  corner  of  the  Model. 

SOUTH  SIDE. 

71.  The  Navy- Yard  is  now  the  great  object  of  interest  to  the  visitor. 
The  large  ship-houses  are  seen  near  the  water.  The  Naval  Lyceum  is  the 
building  with  pillars,  on  the  main  avenue.  The  Commodore's  residence 
stands  on  an  elevation  near  the  east  wall  of  the  Yard. 

72.  The  first  church  on  leaving  the  Navy  Yard  is  Roman  Catholic. 

73.  A  second  Roman  Catholic  Church  appears  a  few  rods  beyond. 

74.  The  church  with  a  square  tower  is  St.  Ann's,  (Epis). 

75.  Dr.  Cox's  Church  stands  on  the  high  elevation  near  the  water. 

76.  Brooklyn  Hights,  which  terminate  the  portion  of  Brooklyn  re- 
presented on  the  Model,  afford  one  of  the  most  beautiful  views  in  the  vi- 
cinity of  New- York.  The  expansive  sheet  of  water  dotted  with  numerous 
sails,  with  the  emporium  of  commerce  on  the  opposite  shore,  presents  a 
most  interesting  and  imposing  scene. 

77.  As  our  eyes  again  rest  on  the  busy  metropolis,  we  notice  the  Man- 
sion of  William  B.  Crosby,  Esq.,  surrounded  by  trees,  late  the  residence 
of  his  father-in-law,  Col.  Rutgers,  from  whom  Rutgers  Institute  and 
Rutgers-street  derive  their  names. 

78.  Dr.  Krebs's  Church,  of  stone,  with  a  square  tower,  next  appears. 

79.  The  floating  Church  of  our  Savior,  (Epis.,)  for  seamen,  with  its 
spire  and  turrets,  is  seen  at  the  foot  of  Pike-street. 

80.  Not  far  distant  is  the  Sectional  Dock  used  for  elevating  vessels. 

81.  The  Commercial  Part  of  the  City  is  now  before  the  visitor. 
These  docks  are  crowded  with  vessels  at  all  seasons  of  the  year,  and  more 
or  less  are  always  leaving  and  entering  the  port. 

82.  The  marble  edifice  with  a  flagstaff,  is  the  United  States  Hotel. 
S3.  Fulton  Market  is  situated  on  the  river  in  the  same  vicinity. 

84.  Wall-street  now  again  appears.  The  blocks  immediately  south 
of  this  part  of  Wall-street  were  those  destroyed  by  the  great  fire  of  1835. 
The  loss  was  estimated  at  over  $20,000,000. 

85.  The  United  States  Revenue  Boarding  Office,  with  a  tower,  is 
situated  at  the  southern  termination  of  the  city. 

We  have  now  completed  a  casual  examination  of  the  Model,  but,  to  do 
justice  to  the  work,  thousands  of  other  objects  should  be  inspected.  Over 
five  millions  of  objects  are  represented — certainly  sufficient  to  present  new 
points  of  interest  at  each  successive  examination. 

13 


GENERAL  CHARACTER 


OF  THE 

PLAN  OF  REPRESENTATION. 

This  model  is  a  perfect  fac  simile  of  New  York,  representing  every  street 
line,  building,  shed,  park,  fence  and  tree  5  the  elevations  and  depressions  ;  the 
shipping,  steamboats,  wharves,  railroad  cars,  pavements,  awnings,  lamp  posts 
and  every  other  object  in  the  city  to  the  number  of  millions.  The  district  rep- 
resented includes  the  whole  of  New  York,  the  harbor,  the  East  and  North  Riv- 
ers, and  the  greater  part  of  Brooklyn. 

The  whole  rests  on  a  platform  20  by  24  feet  in  size,  representing  the  ground, 
jrjjon  which  are  carved  the  elevations  and  depressions  of  the  city.  On  this  the 
streets  and  parks  are  laid  out,  and  every  building  in  the  city — even  every  shed 
and  rear  building  in  the  interior  of  blocks,  however  small — is  represented  in  per 
feet  miniature,  in  its  own  exact  position,  with  its  relative  size,  proportions  ar,d 
color. 

The  utmost  accuracy  has  been  preserved  and  the  minutest  objects  are  repre 
sented — even  the  lines  between  the  brick,  stone  or  other  material  of  which  each 
building  is  composed. 

The  following  tremendous  numbers  may  astonish  the  reader,  but  will  be  found 
to  be  no  less  correct.    There  are  represented  upon  this  Model 

Over  200,000  Buildlugs,  including  Houses,  Stores  and  Out  Buildings, 
"  3,500,000  Windows  and  Doors,  Over  35,000  Fences  and  Walls 
«     150,000  Cnimnies,  "    30,000  Trees, 

"       20,000  Awning  and  Lamp  Posts, 

"         5,000  Pieces  of  Shipping,  from  tlie  Sail  Boat  to  the  Packet. 

But  perhaps  there  is  nothing  thai  will  show  the  immensity  of  the  work  more 
thau  the  number  of  bricks,  billions  being  almost  too  small  a  denomination  to  ex- 
press the  number.  These  statements  are  freqnently  not  believed  or  not  appre- 
ciated before  an  inspection  of  the  Model,  in  consequence  of  the  apparent  impos- 
sibility of  a  representation  so  minute  and  so  extensive  ;  but  every  visitor  acknow- 
ledges that  no  terms  can  be  used  to  describe  adequately  the  magnitude  of  the 
work. 

But  its  extent  is  not  the  only  merit  of  this  Model.  Its  accuracy  to  the  mi- 
nutest details  is  astounding.  Many  individual  buildings  are  composed  of  hun- 
dreds of  pieces,  while  some  of  the  more  elaborote  public  edifices  consist  of  over 
a  thousand  pieces.  It  was  in  progress  for  more  than  a  year,  and  upwards  of  100 
persons  were  employed  in  its  construction,  including  the  first  artists,  American 
and  European. 

It  will  be  borne  in  mind,  that  this  Model  is  vastly  different  from  a  map  or  a 
painting.  It  is  inconceivably  superior  to  any  representation  upon  paper  or  can- 
vass j  each  building  being  a  perfect  miniature  building,  and  the  whole  differing 
from,  Vie  actual  city  only  in  point  of  size. 

So  many  elaborate  and  accurate  descriptions  of  the  Model  have  been  given  by 
all  the  journals  of  New  York,  that  any  further  account  is  rendered  unnecessary, 
and  the  reader  is  requested  to  peruse  a  few  extracts  from  these  articles. 


Perhaps  no  stronger  argument  could,  be  adduced  in  proof  of  the 
the  accuracy  and  beauty  of  the  Model  than  the  universal  enthusi- 
asm with  ivhichit  has  been  received  by  the  New  York  Press, 

A  few  short  extracts  from  the  hundreds  of  enconiums  pronounced 
upon  it  by  the  Reviews,  Magazines,  and  the  Daily  and  Weekly 
Press  of  New  York,  are  subjoined. 

1846.  tne  well-known  vessels  and  steamers  in 
the  bay  and  rivers.  Nothing  now  in 
this  city  is  better  worth  seeing  ;  and  if 
it  is  to  be  exhibited  over  the  Union,  it 
will  give  people  in  distant  places  a  per- 
fect idea  of  the  American  Metropolis. 
To  see  it  to  advantage,  it  must  be  stud- 
ied minutely. 

Knickerbocker  Magazine,  Aug.  1846, 
Think  of  this  entire  metropolis,  and 
a  part  of  Brooklyn,  represented  by  the 
individual  street,  lane,  alley,  house, 
open  lot,  tree — every  tiling  in  short 
which  the  city  is  and  which  it  contains; 
the  whole  perfect  in  its  proportions,  and 
every  part  entirely  correct  in  its  scale  ! 
It  is  truly  a  wonderful  exhibition,  and 
reflects  great  credit  upon  its  enterpris- 
ing proprietor,  E.  Porter  Belden,  Esq. 

Christian  Parlor  31ag.  Sept.  1846. 
Sights  in  the  City. — In  this  great 
metropolis  ample  provision  is  made  for 
the  gratification  of  the  tastes  of  the 
curious  of  all  characters,  and  no  slight 
effort  is  made  to  entrap  the  unwary 
stranger  and  attract  him  where  he  would 
not  willingly  and  knowingly  be  found. 
There  are  two  places  of  resort  which 
we  think  of  at  the  moment,  to  which 
we  can  with  entire  propriety  invite  the 
citizen  and  the  stranger  who  may  have 
an  hour  or  two  to  appropriate  in  exam- 
ining the  wonders  of  art.  *  *  *  * 
The  other  city  sight,  which  is  spoken 
of  with  astonishment  by  all  who  have 
seen  it,  is  Belden's  miniature  of  New 
York  city,  in  which  every  house,  public 
and  private,  every  tree,  post  &c.  is  ac- 
curately copied  or  carved  in  wood. — 
Visiters  at  one  glance  can  thus  obtain  a 
perfect  view  of  the  whole  city,  and  a 
part  of  Brooklyn.  It  is  a  monument  of 
patient  labor  and  curious  art. 

Knickerbocker,  Sept.  1848. 
Looking  the  other  day  at  Mr.  Belden's 
Model  of  New  York,  (that  most  faith- 
ful 'picture  in  little'  of  our  great  me- 
tropolis,) and  admiring  the  admirable 
proportion  which  has  been  so  accurate- 
ly preserved  in  every  feature  of  the 


From  the  American  Rev.,  Auj 

The  Model  of  the  City  of  New 
York. — Among  the  many  happy  pro- 
ductions of  the  modern  art  of  perspec- 
tive drawing,  we  have  always  been 
particularly  interested  in  the  ceroscopic 
or  bird's  eye  views  of  great  cities.  Lon- 
don, Paris  and  Rome  especially,  taken 
in  this  way,  have  been  to  us  particular 
stud.es;  and  we  may  safely  say  that 
we  have  gained  in  one  hour  a  better 
knowledge  of  the  physical  aspect  of 
those  "  places  powerful  and  eke  re- 
nowned,'1' than  we  have  from  reading 
any  books.  But  no  such  pictorial  view, 
however  skillfully  executed,  can  equal 
in  faithfulness  and  reality  of  impres- 
sion the  exhibition  of  a  city  in  carved 
blocks  of  wood,  by  which  every  street 
and  building,  with  all  the  docks  and 
water-craft  shall  be  reproduced  to  the 
eye,  with  an  exact  attention  to  propor- 
tion. We  do  not  know  that  wTe  have 
evef  been  more  struck  with  any  curious 
work  of  an  than  with  the  "  Model  of 
New  York  city,"  now  on  exhibition, 
constructed  by  Mr.  E.  P.  Belden.  The 
felicitous  minuteness  displayed  in  this 
creation — for  it  is  a  creation — is  wonder- 
ful. The  whole  piece  is  constructed  on 
several  compartments,  which,  united, 
make  a  platform  of  nearly  thirty  feet 
square.  The  city  is  thus  represented 
entire,  together  with  all  Brooklyn,  and 
the  North  and  East  rivers,  with  their 
forests  of  masts  and  water-craft.  Ev- 
ery street  is  seen,  no  longer  or  wider 
than  it  should  be  in  comparison  with 
every  other.  Each  building,  large  or 
small,  whether  the  Astor  House,  the 
University,  or  a  sentry-box,  is  carved 
out  of  a  separate  piece  of  wood,  and 
put  in  its  place,  with  the  exact  color 
and  proportion  that  belong  to  it. — 
Prob  ibly  not  a  man  in  the  city  but  could 
at  once  point  out  his  own  dwelling. 
Some  of  the  larger  structures,  as  Trin- 
ity and  Grace  churches,  the  City  Hall, 
the  University,  the  Custom- House,  and 
Merchants'  Exchange,  are  exquisitely 
shaped  and  finished,  and  would  fetch 
high  prices  as  models.  The  number  of 
separate  pieces  composing  some  of 
thorn  amount  to  several  hundreds.-— 
Grace  has  over  one  thousand.  So  mi- 
nute is  the  work  that  the  very  awning- 
posts  are  given,  and  all  the  rigging  on 


vast  miniature  city,  we  were  irresistibly 
led  to  think  of  Gulliver  in  Lilliput.  In- 
deed, it  required  nothing  but  a  thousand 
or  two  1  humans'  bustling  through  the 
little  streets  to  have  made  the  illusion 
complete . 

15 


From  the  IV,  Y.  Jonr.  of  Commerce, 
Feb.  7,  1S4G. 
Model  of  New  York. — A  most  in- 
genious piece  of  mechanism  has  been 
lor  some  time  past  in  process  of  con- 
struction at  No.  360  Broadway.  It  is 
nothing  less  than  an  actual  Model  of 
New  York, — including  every  building, 
street,  wharf,  park,  fcc.  &c.  In  *hort, 
it  presents  this  great  metropolis  in  min- 
iature, to  the  eye,  at  one  view,  with  its 
innumerable  objects  all  carved  in  wood, 
according  to  their  actual  proportions 
and  relations  to  each  other.  The  a- 
mount  of  labor  bestowed  upon  it,  is 
necessarily  great. 

From  N.  Y.  Sun,  Feb.  1S46. 

It  is  no  more  nor  less  than  a  Model 
of  this  entire  city,  representing  its  ev- 
ery object.  For"enterprize  and  perse- 
verance, Mr.  Belden  cannot  be  beaten. 
N .  Y.  Herald,  Feb.  1^46. 

What  an  immense  amount  of  labor 
must  be  requisite,  thus  to  present  to  the 
eye  a  perfect  miniature  of  every  object 
in  this  great  metropolis. 

N\  Y.  Express,  Feb.  1S46. 
E.  Porter  Belden,  Esq.  the  proprietor 
of  the  Model  of  New  Haven,  now  ex- 
hibiting at  the  Granite  Building,  is  con- 
structing at  360  Broadway  one  of  the 
most  remarkable  pieces  of  mechanism 
we  have  ever  heard  of.  It  is  an  actual 
miniature  in  carved  wood  of  this  entire 
city. 

N.  Y.  Eve.  Mirror,  March  3d.  1^46. 

The  work  is  supposed  by  many  to  be 
merely  continuous  block  lines  running 
along  the  sides  of  streets,  representing 
roofs  and  houses — a  sort  of  birds-eye 
view  of  the  city.  Such  is  not  the  case 
— it  is  a  perfect  model  of  New  York 
(as  high  upas  32d street)  and  a  portion 
of  Brooklyn,  Governor's  Island,  &c. — 
Every  house  in  the  city,  with  trees  and 
tenements  appertaining  thereto,  will  be 
found  in  its  proper  place  and  represent- 
ed correctly  in  all  respects — length, 
breadth,  height,  color — even  every  win- 
dow front  and  rear,  chimnies  &c. 

N.  Y.  Sun,  March  11,  1S46. 

The  long  desired  Model  of  this  city, 
is,  we  are  happy  to  announce,  now  in 
course  of  construction,  and  will  be 
shortly  completed.  It  is  to  Mr.  E.  Por- 
ter Belden,  a  gentleman  of  well  known 
ingenuity,  and  constructor  of  the  cele- 
brated Model  of  New  Haven,  Ct.  that 
the  public  will  be  indebted  for  this  in- 
teresting work.   Every  street,  alley, 

16 


lane,  building,  shed,  or  yard  in  this  city 
or  Brooklyn  will  be  faithfully  represent- 
ed and  accurately  put  down.  It  will  in  % 
short  be  a  perfect  miniature  of  New 
York — the  Metropolis  of  America — the 
fourth  city  in  the  world,  and  from  its 
name  alone  will  attract  more  attention, 
in  this  and  the  old  country,  than  any- 
thing of  the  kind  ever  exhibited.  It 
will  be  composed  of  carved  wood,  and 
no  pains  or  expense  will  be  spared  to 
render  it  complete  to  the  minutest  par- 
ticular. We  heartily  wish  Mr.  Belden 
that  success  which  he  so  justly  merits. 

N.  Y.  Sun,  March  1*,  1^46. 

What  is  this  Model  of  New  York  like  ? 
When  will  it  be  ready  for  exhibition  ? 
Questions  like  these  are  continually  be- 
ing put  to  us — We  will  therefore  for  the 
benefit  of  our  readers  at  large,  endeavor 
to  give  them  the  requisite  information. 
On  a  platform  of  nearly  thirty  feet 
square,  the  artist  has  contrived  to  rep- 
resent the  whole  city  of  New  York  aud 
part  of  Brooklyn,  in  carved  wood,  to- 
gether with  the  shipping  and  steam- 
boats, lying  at  the  various  wharves,  so 
as  to  convey  a  more  accurate  impres- 
sion to  the  eye,  than  any  painting  could 
possibly  effect.  Not  only  are  the  pub- 
lic buildings,  churches,  &c.  exact  sp«c- 
imens  of  architecture  on  a  small  stale, 
but  every  inhabitant  of  New  York  will 
be  enabled  to  recognize  his  own  dwell- 
ing. In  .fact  the  whole  expanse  o 
streets,  lanes  and  houses,  will  lie 
stretched  out  before  the  visiter  as  it 
would  appear  to  a  person  viewing  it 
from  a  balloon — with  this  advantage- 
that  he  will  be  spared  the  nervous  reel- 
ing incidental  to  an  aeronautic  expedi- 
tion, and  be  enabled  to  view  it  (romany 
point  he  pleases.  We  shall  recur  to 
this  interesting  subject  in  a  few  days 
and  review  it  more  in  detail. 

N.  Y.  Sun,  March  23,  1^46. 

Model  of  New  York. — This  splen 
did  work,  now  constructing  by  E.  Porter 
Belden,  Esq.  for  magnitude  of  design, 
exactness  of  detail  and  beauty  of  execu- 
tion, surpasses  anything  hitherto  pro- 
duced. Every  house  taken  singly,  will 
bear  close  examination,  and  every  mer- 
chant ship  or  steamboat,  if  placed  in  a 
glass  case,  would  be  considered  a  fin- 
ished specimen  of  skilful  workmanship 
and  bear  the  scrutiny  of  the  naval  pro- 
fession. Each  distinct  part  would  form 
a  beautiful  picture.  There  is  Trinity 
Church  with  its  magnificent  gothic  spire 
— Grace  Church  with  its  light  Norman 
arched  windows  and  rich  tracery— our 


noble  Exchange  and  Custom  House — 
the  City  Hall  and  Gallery  of  Arts — the 
vast  and  substantial  Astor  Houise — old 
Tammany,  and  Stewards  elegant  new- 
marble  building  i'i  Broadway — Cottage 
Place  in  the  ninth  ward,  with  its  fairy 
like  piazzas  to  every  story — and  the 
gloomy  Egyptian  Tombs.  There  are 
the  Novelty  Iron  Works  with  their 
foundries  and  workshops,  the  yard  filled 
with  miniature  machinery — the  numer- 
ous lumber  yards  tilled  with  limber, 
coal  yards  with  piles  of  genuine  Peach 
Orchard  and  Liverpool,  and  the  stone 
yards  with  blocks  of  real  granite  and 
marble.  The  Harlem  railroad,  with  the 
trains  of  baggage  and  passenger  cars 
are  faithfully  represented,  and  the  dif- 
ferent Parks  and  the  beautiful  Battery, 
covered  with  groves  of  trees,  rivalling 
the  verdant  appearance  of  nature  itself. 
The  particular  form  of  every  roof  and 
chimney  is  complete,  and  the  interior 
buildings  to  the  smallest  shed  and  fence, 
are  duly  attended  to.  There  are  the 
churches,  school  houses,  hotels  and 
markets — lamp  posts,  liberty  poles, 
flag  staffs,  awning  posts — nothing  is 
omitted.  The  splendid  mansion  and 
the  meanest  shanty — each  has  its  rep- 
resentative in  this  magnificent  and  com- 
prehensive model. 

On  the  opposite  side  of  the  East  river 
is  the  Navy  Yard  with  the  men  of  war 
lying  moored — the  city  of  Brooklyn 
stretching  out  into  the  bay — while  the 
water  is  covered  with  merchantmen  and 
smaller  vessels, — the  steamer  Great 
Britain,  a  perfect  fac  similie  of  that 
gigantic  steam  ship — the  North  Caroli- 
na^ guard-ship,  and  300  square  rigged 
vessels,  lying  at  the  different  wharves, 
with  an  innumerable  number  of  smaller 
craft.  To  crown  all,  the  natural  ap- 
pearance of  the  marble,  granite  or  brick 
of  which  the  buildings  are  composed, 
combines  to  render  the  whole  thing 
unique  of  its  kind.  In  a  word  it  pre- 
sents as  exact  a  view  of  New  York,  as 
the  city  itself  would  if  viewed  through 
the  inverted  end  of  a  telescope.  In 
conclusion  we  can  but  feel  certain,  that 
this  great  undertaking  of  Mr.  Belden 
will  be  duly  appreciated  not  only  by  the 
citizens  of  this  metropolis  and" the  sis- 
ter cities  of  our  republic,  but  by  the  in- 
habitants of  those  foreign  countries,  to 
whose  shores  Mr.  Belden  may  see  fit 
to  transport  the  great  city  of  the  New 
World  ;  and  that  it  will  be  to  him  the 
source  of  an  ample  fortune. 

N.  Y.  Tribune,  April  4,  1846. 

Mopel  or  New  York. — Our  readers 


have  already  noticed  that  E.  Porter 
Belden,  Ksq.  proprietor  of  the  Model  of 
New  Haven,  is  constructing  a  Model  oi 
the  city  of  New  York,  in  carved  wood, 
at  360  Broadway. 

This  we  conceive  to  be  one  of  the 
greatest  undertakings  ever  attempted. 
The  Model  is  constructed  upon  an  im- 
mense platform  representing  the  ground 
with  all  its  natural  elevations  and  de- 
pressions, and  the  eye  of  the  spectator 
takes  in  at  one  view  every  object  with 
its  relative  size,  proportions  and  color, 
from  the  Battery  to  Beilevue  Hospital. 
Indeed  it  would  seem  as  if  by  some 
immense  mechanical  power,  the  whole 
city  had  been  compressed  into  smaller 
limits,  accurately  preserving  its  outlines 
and  minutest  traits  . 

This  description  seems  almost  incred- 
ible, but  it  is  not  the  least  exaggerated 
— at  any  rate  the  work  is  fast  approach- 
ing to  completion,  when  every  one  will 
have  the  opportunity  of  judging  tor 
himself,  whether  his  house  is  accurately 
represented  or  not. 

The  steamboats  and  shipping  which 
are  shewn  at  the  fullest  season,  togeth- 
er with  the  Navy  Yard  at  Brooklyn  and 
the  men  of  war  lying  at  anc  hor,  will  add 
to  the  interest  of  this  stupendous  spec- 
imen of  mechanical  skill.  Our  readers 
may  easily  conceive  the  superior  advan- 
tages wmich  a  model  possesses  over  a 
painting,  as  in  the  latter  although  the 
objects  in  the  foreground  are  distinctly 
portrayed,  those  in  the  back  ground  are 
necessarily  obscure ;  while  in  viewing 
the  former,  the  spectator  may  choose 
his  own  position  and  inspect  if  from  all 
parts  of  the  compass  as  his  own  fancy 
may  dictate.  Everything  combines  to 
rentier  this  one  of  the  most  curious  ex- 
hibitions ever  submitted  to  the  public, 
and  we  have  no  doubt  it  will  meet  with 
extensive  patronage. 

N.  Y.  True  Sun,  April  16,  1^16. 

We  understand  that  the  proprietor  of 
this  great  work  is  now  engaged  in  erect- 
ing a  splendid  Canopy  to  overhang  trie 
Model.  This  is  a  most  beautiful  speci- 
men of  gothic  architecture,  supported 
on  splendid  columns,  with  carved  pin- 
nacles. 

N.  Y.  Tribune,  April  17,  1S46. 

The  immense  labor  and  great  inge- 
nuity displayed  in  the  construction  of 
the  Model  of  NewTYork,  is  the  theme  of 
admiration  of  all  those  persons,  who 
have  been  permitted  to  view  this  great 
work  while  in  progress.  When  com 
pleted  wTe  question  if  it  will  not  be  re. 

17 


cognized  throughout  the  United  State.* 
by  the  soubriquet  of  Nevi  York  Junior, 
from  the  strong  family  likeness  it  bears 
to  its  elder  sister. 

A  better  subject  for  a  model  could  not 
have  been  selected)  as  perhaps  there  is 
no  city  in  the  world  possessing  the  same 
natural  advantages  of  situation.  It 
presents  with  its  surrounding  scenery, 
a  line  field  for  the  display  of  the  artist, 
which  Mr.Belden,  with  his  natural  tact, 
has  not  failed  to  avail  himself  of  to  the 
fullest  extent. 

From  the  "  Commercial  Articl?/'  of 
N.  Y.  Tribune,  April  22,  184G. 

We  have  frequently  had  occasion  to 
call  the  attention  of  the  manufacturing 
and  trading  community  to  the  many  ad- 
vantages ot  advertising,  but  it  remained 
for  Mr.  E.  Porter  Belden,  the  talented 
proprietor  of  the  splendid  Model  of  this 
city,  which  he  has  now  nearly  comple- 
ted, to  make  the  public  exhibition  of  a 
work  of  art  the  vehicle  of  advertise- 
ments the  most  attractive  and  exten- 
sive. 

This  Model,  with  its  magnificent  can- 
opy, will  be  the  greatest  work  of  the 
kind  ever  undertaken  either  in  this 
country  or  Europe,  and,  in  its  exhibi- 
tion in  all  the  important  cities  of  both 
Hemispheres,  will  be  visited  by  thou- 
sands ;  and  when  we  consider  that  im- 
provements in  our  manufacture.:,  in  the 
modes  of  transit,  and  the  removal  of 
restrictions  on  trade,  will  create  demand 
for  many  of  our  products  and  manufac- 
tures hitherto  unthought  of  as  articles 
of  export,  the  importance  to  our  manu- 
facturers and  traders  of  becoming  known 
throughout  the  whole  civilized  world, 
cannot  be  overrated.  We  should  wish 
to  give  the  world,  in  connection  with 
this  miniature  of  our  city,  a  proof  of 
our  immense  trade.  A  new  era  in  com- 
merce is  commencing,  and  we  hope  that 
that  enterprise  which  has  so  honorably 
marked  the  history  of  American  trade, 
will  take  advantage  of  this  splendid  op- 
portunity which  native  talent  presents 
of  seeking  a  market  in  every  quarter  of 
the  globe,  thereby  promoting  the  wealth 
and  happiness  of  our  people,  and  taking 
our  high  place  among  the  great  com- 
mercial nations  of  the  world. 

N.  Y.  Eve.  Post,  April  23,  1846. 

Model  of  New  York. — E.  Porter 
Belden,  Esq.  who  projected  and  execu- 
ted the  beautiful  model  of  New  Haven, 
emboldened  by  his  success,  afterwards 
planned  a  model  of  New  York  and  its 
18 


environs,  to  be  carved  in  wood ;  and 
undismayed  by  the  obstacles  and  difii- 
gtllties  that  so  vast  an  undertaking 
would  naturally  present,  has,  by  in- 
domitable perseverance  and  mechanical 
skill,  brought  his  labors  nearly  to  a 
close. 

It  is  the  most  surprising  and  elabor- 
ate piece  of  mechanism  ever  achieved, 
The  life  like  appearance  of  this  minia- 
ture city  is  so  deceptive,  that  it  required 
no  very  great  stretch  of  the  imagination 
to  fancy  you  hear  the  hum  and  buzz  of 
the  dwellers  within. 

The  spectator  can  not  fnil  to  he  im- 
pressed with  the  beauty  of  the  public 
buildings,  churches  &c,  while  the 
dwelling  houses,  and  even  the  interior 
buildings,  present  the  most  finished  ap- 
pearance, and  bear  witness  to  the  pa- 
tient and  sedulous  attention  of  the  pro- 
prietor. Thousands  are  under  the  im- 
pression that  the  model  consists  ot  a 
number  of  rough  and  indistinct  objects, 
laid  down  in  lines  of  streets,  giving  in 
the  aggregate,  an  idea  of  the  general 
appearance  of  the  city.  Little  are 
those  persons  aware  of  the  actnaJ  na- 
ture of  the  work,  or  of  the  intense  ap- 
plication and  mechanical  skill,  that  has 
been  brought  into  play  in  consummating' 
the  result.  During  the  last  twelve 
months,  in  fine  or  foul  weather,  the  in- 
defatigable employes  of  Mr.  Belden  may 
have  been  seen  at  their  respective  posts, 
pencil  in  hand,  surveying  every  street, 
lane,  or  back  alley,  nook  or  corner,  of 
this  great  metropolis. 

Every  house  or  tenement,  to  the 
smallest  shed  in  the  rear  of  the  blocks, 
has  been  modelled  from  sketches  made 
by  good  draughtsmen,  and  this,  when 
completed,  has  been  subjected  to  the 
rigid  scrutiny  of  competent  persons. — 
The  manner  in  which  every  minute  de- 
tail has  been  managed  is  truly  astonish- 
ing— the  particular  pitch  of  the  roofs, 
and  proportionate  size  of  the  doors, 
windows,  chiinnies&c,  are  all  preserv- 
ed— even  the  lines  of  the  brick  work, 
stone,  or  whatever  the  buildings  are 
composed  of,  is  imitated. 

Thns  our  fellow  citizens  cannot  fail 
to  recognize  their  own  dwellings  and 
other  familiar  objects,  and  the  inhab- 
itants of  distant  cities,  by  having  this 
beautiful  miniature  brought  10  their 
firesides,  will  derive  from  it  all  the  ad- 
vantages of  an  actual  visit  to  this  great 
metropolis,  without  incurring  the  ex- 
penses and  inconveniences  attendan' 
upon  a  sojourn  in  a  large  ci*y. 


4 


